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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Chifley has an estimated 2,785 residents, up from 2,680 at the 2021 Census — a change of 105 people, or 3.9%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. That puts 1,752 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Chifley stands at roughly 2,785 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 105 people (3.9%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 2,680 people. This adjustment is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 2,785 recorded in June 2025 alongside 44 validated new addresses added following the Census. Consequently, the local population density sits at 1,751 persons per square kilometer, which tracks higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Inbound overseas migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 75.1% of recent net gains.
AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia demographic projections formulated in 2024 using 2022 as a base year for local areas. Where coverage is missing or extends beyond post-2032, age-specific projections sourced from the ACT Government with a 2022 base year are applied. Looking ahead under this modelling framework, the total population is projected to contract by 122 persons by 2041. In contrast to this broader decrease, certain brackets will expand, particularly the 85 and over age group with an anticipated increase of 28 people. Detailed cohort breakdowns are presented in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
64 new dwellings have been approved in Chifley over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 4.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Chifley have tracked at approximately 12 new homes annually, totalling 64 homes approved across the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Over this same span of the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), the locality absorbed an average of 2.3 people per year for every newly built dwelling, demonstrating firm underlying demand that underpins local real estate values, with approved dwellings carrying an average expected construction cost of $380,000. Relative to broader Australian Capital Territory benchmarks, residential construction in Chifley is markedly subdued (73.0% below regional average per person).
This constrained volume of new additions typically bolsters property valuations and buyer interest for existing stock. Approved dwellings comprise 62.0% standalone homes alongside 38.0% medium and high-density housing, delivering a growing assortment of medium-density options catering to diverse market segments, ranging from roomy family residences to entry-level compact dwellings. With approximately 386 people per dwelling approval, the suburb reflects an established urban setting. Given that the local headcount is forecast to stabilize or decrease, residential demand pressure should soften across Chifley, potentially opening up favourable conditions for incoming purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chifley
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 41 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chifley, worth an estimated $4.44 billion. 6 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, regional planning strategies, and major civic projects play a pivotal role in shaping local community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 13 key developments likely to influence the surrounding district. Notable initiatives include the Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip), and the Woden Community Services Hub, with key project particulars outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Woden Community Services Hub
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip)
A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.
Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip)
A landmark 20-storey mixed-use residential tower comprising 188 luxury apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial space, located directly opposite Westfield Woden in the Phillip town centre. Developed by Zapari, the project forms part of the broader high-rise transformation of the Woden Town Centre precinct.
Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment)
Staged redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site in Woden by Geocon. Stage one, approved by the ACT Territory Planning Authority on 16 December 2025, comprises two 13-storey residential towers with 286 apartments above a new public aquatic centre featuring a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, splash pad, learn-to-swim and toddler areas, cafe, and steam and sauna facilities. The existing outdoor 50-metre pool and the ice-skating rink will remain operational during stage one construction, with their future considered in later stages.Geocon intends to eventually deliver around 696 to 700 apartments across five buildings in three stages on the 1.29 hectare site. Minor structural amendments to the approved stage one design remain under assessment.
Woden Pool Redevelopment
Mixed-use redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre (Woden Pool) comprising a new public indoor aquatic centre with 25m lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, leisure and toddler pools, splash pad, sauna, steam room and cafe, together with two residential towers containing 286 apartments in Stage 1. The broader masterplanned redevelopment is proposed to ultimately deliver around 696 dwellings across three stages.
Woden Town Centre Public Realm Upgrades
ACT Government public realm improvements to Woden Town Square and surrounding streets in Phillip, delivered in stages as part of the broader Woden renewal program. Works include new landscaping and tree planting, street furniture, wayfinding signage, improved pedestrian connectivity and active travel links around the CIT Woden Campus and town centre. The initial Woden Experiment placemaking activation (2019) informed subsequent permanent upgrades. The new Woden Public Transport Interchange became operational in April 2026, completing the active travel connectivity precinct.
Canberra Hospital Master Plan
The Canberra Hospital Master Plan is a 20-year strategic development blueprint prepared by Canberra Health Services and the ACT Government to guide campus expansion through 2041. Organized into seven specialized clinical and research precincts, the plan builds upon the recent $660 million Critical Services Building (Building 5) and Yamba Drive entrance upgrades. Future stages focus on a new pathology and clinical support facility, mental health precinct enhancements, and consolidated parking infrastructure.
Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange
The Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange are fully completed and operational as of April 2026. The new interchange on Callam Street serves over 10,000 Canberrans daily with 10 platforms, improved amenities, and future-proofed light rail capabilities. The Woden Bus Depot is Australia's largest electric bus depot, featuring charging infrastructure for up to 100 zero-emission buses alongside modern maintenance facilities.
1,549 residents of Chifley are employed, from a labour force of 1,610. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 68.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,126, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chifley features an exceptionally qualified labour pool with substantial representation across core public sectors, a low jobless rate of 3.8%, and steady workforce metrics over the preceding twelve months. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,549, while the local jobless rate sits 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory figure of 4.1%, accompanied by a participation rate of 68.5% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.6%. Census figures showed a modest 12.9% of workers operating from home, though this coincided with prevailing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local workers comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.
Conversely, education & training accounts for an under-indexed share, engaging 7.3% of local workers relative to 9.6% across Australian Capital Territory. As indicated by Census comparisons between the working population and resident workers, this residential suburb provides a modest volume of jobs within its own boundaries. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM metrics indicate that over the 12 months to March 2026, resident employment expanded by 0.1% against a labour supply increase of 1.1%, leading to a 1.0 percentage points rise in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Australian Capital Territory registered employment growth of 0.3% alongside labour force growth of 1.1%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point increase. National workforce forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future labour demand. Applying these five- and ten-year industry growth estimates—projecting national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—to the local workforce distribution suggests Chifley employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (calculated via weighted industry shares without factoring in local demographic shifts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chifley is $2,347 a week (about $122,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,191 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $68,180 a year against an average of $82,735. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place taxpayer earnings in the Chifley SA2 among the highest tiers nationally. Median taxable income reaches $68,180 while the mean stands at $82,735, relative to Australian Capital Territory benchmarks of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023 brings estimated current figures to roughly $75,298 (median) and $91,373 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and individual incomes consistently fell between the 85th and 90th percentiles across Australia.
The weekly income band of $1,500 - 2,999 is the largest, capturing 30.8% of residents (857 people), aligning with the broader region where 34.3% fall within this range. High earners are well represented, with 38.1% above $3,000/week, confirming substantial financial capacity. Housing costs consume 14.5% of income, while disposable income places the community in the 86th percentile and its SEIFA income score falls in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chifley had 1,059 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 68% detached houses and 6% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,383 a month, a total housing cost higher than 78% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 19.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, housing stock in Chifley was distributed between 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached units, apartments, and other categories), compared with 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across Australian Capital Territory. Outright home ownership stood higher than the territory benchmark at 32.3%, while 35.2% of homes were being purchased under a mortgage and 32.4% were occupied by renters. Median monthly mortgage obligations were recorded at $2,383, notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, whereas median weekly rent matched the territory figure at $450.
Across Australia as a whole, local mortgage payments significantly exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents track well above the Australian figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chifley counted 1,059 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement, making up 64.2% of all households; this comprises 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. The remaining 35.8% consist of non-family arrangements, with single-person households representing 30.7% and group shared households accounting for 4.7%. The local median household size of 2.4 people sits slightly below the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
52.2% of adults in Chifley hold a university qualification, including 29.5% with a bachelor degree and 16.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 12.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in Chifley substantially exceeds regional and national standards, with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% across the wider SA4 region. This high concentration of qualified professionals underpins strong participation in knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees represent the most common credential at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.5% and graduate diplomas at 6.2%. In addition, technical and vocational certifications account for 22.9% of adult qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (12.1%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 28.9% of the local population attending an educational institution.
This cohort includes 8.1% attending primary schools, 7.9% enrolled in tertiary institutions, and 5.9% engaged in secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chifley reaches 6 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 620 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local public transport infrastructure within Chifley includes 6 operational stops accommodating bus services. These facilities are served by 5 distinct routes that generate 617 weekly passenger trips in aggregate. Public transit accessibility is well rated, with typical walking distances of 231 meters to the closest stop. Reflecting the suburb's residential character, most working residents commute to external employment hubs, with private vehicle transport accounting for 82% of trips, followed by 8% by bus and 5% walking. Private vehicle ownership averages 1.2 vehicles per residence. Census records from 2021 indicated that 12.9% worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era workplace restrictions.
Bus networks maintain an average operational frequency of 88 trips per day across the entire network, providing roughly 102 weekly trips at each separate stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
70.7% of residents in Chifley report no long-term health condition. 4.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Chifley compare favourably to wider benchmarks based on AreaSearch reviews of condition rates and mortality statistics. Chronic illness rates remain low across the general population while aligning with nationwide norms among senior cohorts. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is notably widespread, held by approximately 61% of the total population (1,693 people), compared to the Australian average of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the two most prevalent diagnosed issues locally, reported by 8.6 and 7.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 70.7% of the community reported having no chronic medical conditions, comparing favourably with 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age cohorts display strong general health profiles. Older residents aged 65 and over make up 16.1% of the local population (449 people), higher than the 14.2% proportion across Australian Capital Territory, with senior wellness outcomes rating above average despite tracking below general population national standings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
30.9% of Chifley residents were born overseas and 26.5% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.6%) and Australian (20.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Chifley ranks higher than in most comparable local areas, with 30.9% of inhabitants having been born abroad and 26.5% using a primary home language other than English. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, encompassing 40.0% of the populace. Hinduism demonstrates the most pronounced local concentration, accounting for 8.1% of residents compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral heritage based on parental birthplace, the three largest groups in Chifley are English (23.6%), Australian (20.8%), and Other (14.3%). Specific cultural groups also show distinct concentrations, including Spanish at 0.8% (versus 0.5% across the territory), Serbian at 0.7% (versus 0.4%), and Croatian at 0.9% (aligning with 0.9% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chifley is 36. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 29.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age profile of Chifley closely mirrors Australian Capital Territory figures across all major cohorts, with the most notable divergence reaching 3.9 percentage points. The median age is currently estimated at 36, shifting down from 37 at the 2021 Census and sitting 1 year older than the territory benchmark of 35 recorded in that Census. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 45 - 64 has decreased from 22.4% to an estimated 20.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, the largest numerical gain is anticipated among residents aged 65+, expanding by 15 residents (3%) to 464, whereas cohorts covering children, young adults, and working-age individuals are forecast to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chifley
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 44 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,680 at the 2021 Census → 2,785 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801091099). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.